Minimum wage rises again

Employers need to ensure they are paying their employees at least the appropriate National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW) rate. The rates increase from 1 April 2017.

From 1 October 2016

From 1 April 2017

NLW rate for workers aged 25 and over

£7.20*

£7.50

the main rate for workers aged 21-24

£6.95

£7.05

the 18-20 rate

£5.55

£5.60

the 16-17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18

£4.00

£4.05

the apprentice rate **

£3.40

£3.50

* introduced and applies from 1 April 2016
**for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

Going forward the NMW and NLW rates will be reviewed annually in April.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

The penalties imposed on employers that are in breach of the minimum wage legislation are 200% of arrears owed to workers. The maximum penalty is £20,000 per worker. The penalty is reduced by 50% if the unpaid wages and the penalty are paid within 14 days. HMRC also name and shame employers who are penalised.